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Ghost imaging for targeting breast masses with MR imaging: a phantom study
D Georgian-Smith1, D M Goldhaber, D R Haynor
1Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle 98195-7115, USA.
Rationale And Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to test the accuracy of ghost magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for guiding core biopsies of simulated breast masses in a tissue phantom.
Materials And Methods:
A tissue MR phantom implanted with 20 grapes as targets was placed into an interventional breast MR coil. The locations of the centers of the targets were determined, recorded, and saved as ghost images. A nonmagnetic phantom needle was constructed to avoid imprecision secondary to magnetic field inhomogeneity and was used to determine the three-dimensional location of the needle tip in the center of each grape on the ghost image. Once the positions were determined, the true needle was placed and biopsy specimens were taken. The needle was inspected for the presence of pulp after each pass. Each grape was inspected to determine the location of the needle track in relation to the center of the grape. The duration of the procedure was recorded.
Results:
All grapes were hit by the biopsy needle, as demonstrated either by pulp within the needle or by a needle track within the grape. Seventeen of the 20 grapes (85%) were hit centrally. Three were sampled eccentrically, up to 5-6 mm from the center. Each biopsy took approximately 1 hour.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that ghost imaging may be ideal for needle guidance in core biopsy or preoperative localization, as it extends the period of visibility after a bolus injection of contrast material. Additionally, using a phantom needle for localization appears to overcome imprecision due to magnetic field inhomogeneity of the needle.
Insights
Ghost magnetic resonance (MR) imaging accurately guided core biopsies of simulated breast masses in a phantom study. This technique shows promise for improving needle guidance in biopsy procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Radiology
- Biopsy Techniques
Background:
- Accurate needle guidance is crucial for effective breast mass biopsy.
- Ghost imaging offers potential for enhanced visualization in interventional procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the precision of ghost magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for guiding core biopsies.
- To assess the accuracy of this technique in a simulated breast mass model.
Main Methods:
- A tissue phantom with grape targets was used in an interventional breast MR coil.
- Ghost MR images were created to record target locations.
- A nonmagnetic phantom needle determined needle tip position for accurate guidance.
Main Results:
- All simulated masses (grapes) were successfully targeted by the biopsy needle.
- 85% of biopsies were accurately centered, with 15% deviating slightly.
- Each biopsy procedure took approximately one hour.
Conclusions:
- Ghost MR imaging demonstrates high accuracy for guiding core biopsies and preoperative localization.
- The technique extends the visibility window after contrast injection.
- Using a phantom needle mitigates issues with magnetic field inhomogeneity.
